Planning lighting that works for your home
Good lighting has layers: general light for the room, task lighting where you work (kitchens, desks, vanities), and accent lighting to highlight features. Many homes rely on a single ceiling fixture per room, which leaves corners dark and counters in shadow.
Installation details matter as much as the fixture. Heavy chandeliers need a box and support rated for the weight, bathroom fixtures must be rated for damp locations, and LED fixtures work best with compatible dimmers. For specific projects see indoor lighting, recessed lighting and outdoor lighting.
What the work typically involves
Plan the layout
Talk through the room, fixture types and switching.
Prepare boxes and circuits
Install or upgrade boxes and add wiring or switches as needed.
Mount and connect
Hang fixtures securely and make clean, tight connections.
Test controls
Test dimmers, three-way switches and smart controls.
Common reasons homeowners call
- Replacing dated fixtures
- Adding light where there's no ceiling box
- Installing chandeliers over dining tables or stairways
- Upgrading to dimmable LED
- Brightening kitchens and workspaces
Signs existing lighting needs attention
- Fixtures that flicker or buzz
- Bulbs that burn out quickly
- Scorched fixture sockets or discolored ceilings
- Dimmers that hum or run hot
- Fixtures loose from the ceiling
Safety considerations
Support and ratings matter. Overlamping — using higher-wattage bulbs than a fixture is rated for — and fixtures hung from boxes not rated for their weight are common hazards. Don't install heavy fixtures on standard boxes.
What an electrician will check
- Box type and weight rating
- Circuit load and switch configuration
- Damp/wet location ratings
- Dimmer and LED driver compatibility
- Insulation contact ratings for recessed fixtures
Related electrical problems
Local pages for this service
Related residential services
Indoor Lighting
Interior lighting design and installation — kitchen, living room, bathroom, closet, hallway and stair lighting.
Recessed Lighting
Recessed (can) and LED wafer light installation for kitchens, living rooms, basements and remodels.
Outdoor Lighting
Exterior lighting for porches, patios, decks, driveways and walkways — wired and rated for outdoor use.
Smart Lighting
Smart switches, dimmers, scenes and app or voice control for indoor and outdoor lighting.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. New ceiling boxes and switches can usually be added by running wiring through the attic or walls.
Many older dimmers aren't designed for LED loads. Replacing the dimmer with an LED-compatible model usually fixes it.
Standard boxes are rated for limited weight. Heavier fixtures and all ceiling fans need a box rated and supported for the load.